Browse publications by year: 2021

Fulltext Taiwan’s response to COVID -19: a success story

Tan, Jia Yi, Teoh, Xie Jing

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021;15(2):75-77.
MyJurnal

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan reported a total of 776 cases of COVID-19 (Dong et al., 2020) in comparison with its neighbouring countries, Japan and the Philippines which reported 210,769 and 465,724 cases of COVID-19 respectively, until 24 December 2020. Looking at the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic among various countries, Taiwan had indeed distinguished herself and stood out considering her well-contained COVID-19 infection despite it being a widespread infection in other countries.
Fulltext Near-miss injury of multiple carpometacarpal joint dislocations: a report of two cases

Kow, Ren Yi, Zaharul Azri Mustapha Zakaria, Ruben Jaya Kumar, Low ,Chooi Leng, Khairul Nizam Siron Baharom

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021;15(2):59-67.
MyJurnal

Multiple carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) dislocations are rare and are easily missed. The anatomical configuration renders stability to the joints. As a result, a high-velocity impact is required to dislocate the joint. We present two cases of multiple carpometacarpal joint dislocations with different mechanisms of injury and their subsequent management at our centre. In case 1, a 29-year-old gentleman presented with acute dislocations of the CMCJs involving the right middle, ring, and little fingers. An open reduction and fixation with Kirschner wires were done to stabilize the dislocated CMCJs and he subsequently recovered. In case 2, a 25-year-old gentleman had the CMCJ dislocations detected late due to other more profound injuries. Partial arthrodesis was performed to address the instability of the CMCJs of the right index, middle and ring fingers. He subsequently recovered and returned to work 6-months postoperatively. The diagnosis of carpometacarpal joint dislocation can be easily missed especially when there is a concurrent distracting injury. It is crucial to maintain a high index of suspicion as early diagnosis and prompt treatment is paramount to yield a better outcome
Fulltext A case report of silicosis: culprit of progressive massive fibrosis

Shu, Ann Hon, Lian, Thai Lee, Qin, Jian Low

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021;15(2):53-57.
MyJurnal

Silicosis is a fibronodular lung disease secondary to the inhalation of crystalline silica dust. It had continued to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Here is a case of a 63-year-old woman, a lifelong non-smoker who complained of intermittent wheezing since retired 8 years ago. She had worked in the clay and piping industry for more than a decade. She wore only a simple 3-ply face mask at work without other protective devices. She had multiple hospital admissions for acute exacerbation of chronic lung disease for the past several years. Respiratory examinations revealed bilateral fine crepitations and occasional rhonchi on auscultation. Chest radiograph revealed ground glass changes. Pulmonary function testing showed an irreversible severe obstruction picture with an FEV1 of 45%. High resolution computed tomography thorax demonstrated hyperinflated lungs with emphysematous changes and multiple nodules over subpleural region, conglomerate mass with calcifications over bilateral lungs. Her imaging findings combined with a significant occupational history were suggestive of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) due to silicosis. She is currently being treated with several inhalers and does not require home oxygen therapy. She is suffering from accelerated silicosis which may potentially progress to radiological deterioration, altered respiratory function and premature death. Therefore, it is essential to avoid any potential hazards that may predispose to silicosis.
Fulltext Meningioma: an important stroke mimic

Seng, Wee Cheo, Tee, Tat Khoo, Qin, Jian Low, Yuen, Kang Chia

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021;15(2):47-51.
MyJurnal

Rapid Stroke is a common clinical problem. Stroke can be broadly divided into ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. Ischaemic stroke can be further classified by TOAST classification into large-artery atherosclerosis, cardioembolism, small vessel occlusion, the stroke of other determined aetiology and stroke of undetermined aetiology. Importantly, we need to be wary of important stroke mimics such as brain tumour, demyelination, intoxication as they can lead to changes in clinical management. Here, we would like to illustrate a case of meningioma which clinically mimics a stroke. This patient is a 78-year-old lady who initially presented with sudden onset right-sided body weakness associated with slurred speech and facial asymmetry. An urgent plain computed tomography (CT) of the brain showed hypodensities at the left middle cerebral artery territory. However, re-evaluation noted her to have a normal Glasgow Coma Scale without any cortical signs, cerebellar sign or dysphasia. In view of these, stroke mimics was suspected. A contrasted CT brain was done which confirmed the diagnosis of meningioma. She was offered surgical intervention for meningioma but she was not keen on it. In conclusion, this case highlighted the importance of clinical evaluation in recognising stroke mimics
Fulltext A rapid rural appraisal of a remote village in Lahad Datu, Sabah

Kwong, Hui Wong, Hui, Wei Ho

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021;15(2):35-45.
MyJurnal

Rapid rural appraisal (RRA) is a systematic but semi-structured study used to gain new insight into rural life in a quick manner. The current article describes the RRA conducted in a remote village in Lahad Datu, Sabah. The RRA aimed to address the background of the rural community and identify public health issues. Collection of secondary data, key informants’ interview, field observation and a structured interview with the villagers selected via convenience sampling were applied to obtain necessary data. Findings from informal approaches were summarised. Descriptive analysis was carried out for data collected from structured interview. Water sanitation, sanitation facility, food safety, air pollution, zoonosis and non-communicable diseases were among the potential public health issues identified within the village. A total of 188 villagers participated in the structured interview. The median age was 28.0 (IQR 30.8). The percentage for manual workers were 21.3% while 13.8% were white collars. The illiteracy rate was 12.2% and the poverty rate at 48.9%. A total of 22.3% of respondents reported overcrowded households. The household environment and take-up rate of basic amenities were suboptimal. The highest self-reported chronic disease was hypertension, recording 13 cases. The foremost priority is to fill up the flaws in the public health needs of the villagers. Those challenges require participation from relevant authorities as well as individual empowerment
Fulltext Haemoglobin Levels in Early Life among Infants with and without Retinopathy of Prematurity

Pheng E, Lim ZD, Tai Li Min E, Rostenberghe HV, Shatriah I

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 01;18(13).
PMID: 34280989 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137054

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative retinal vascular disorder attributed to an ischaemic stimulus in preterm infants. Haemoglobin, the main component for oxygen transportation, may be implicated in ROP development. This retrospective study compared the mean weekly haemoglobin levels between infants with and without ROP over the first six weeks of life. Premature infants of less than 32 weeks gestational age and less than 1.5 kg birth weight were grouped into age and birth weight-matched ROP cases and controls. Weekly mean haemoglobin levels were documented. An independent t-test was used to analyze the difference in mean haemoglobin levels between infants with ROP and infants without ROP. Adjustment for confounders was performed using one-way analysis of covariance. There was a statistically significant difference in adjusted mean haemoglobin levels between the ROP and non-ROP group during the first week of life (p = 0.038). No significant intergroup differences were observed at the other weeks. Haemoglobin monitoring during the first week of postnatal life may be useful to guide ROP screening in premature infants.

MeSH terms: Birth Weight; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors
Fulltext Physical Activity among Adults Residing in 11 Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown

Ding K, Yang J, Chin MK, Sullivan L, Durstine JL, Violant-Holz V, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Jul 01;18(13).
PMID: 34280992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137056

During the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, physical activity (PA) behaviors were altered worldwide due to public health measures such as "lockdown." This study described PA among adults residing in 11 countries during COVID-19 lockdown and examined factors associated with PA engagement. We conducted a cross-sectional anonymous survey among adults (≥18 years old) in 11 countries (Brazil, Bulgaria, China, India, Ireland, Malaysia, North Macedonia, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, United States). Of 11,775 participants, 63.7% were female and 52.8% were 18-34 years old. More than 40% of participants were insufficiently active (43.9%) and reported a decrease in their PA during lockdown (44.8%). Statistically significant differences were observed in (1) proportions of participants being insufficiently active, (2) level of PA, and (3) decrease in PA across the 11 countries. More stringent governmental policy responses were associated with greater likelihood of being insufficiently active during lockdown (adjusted odds ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.03, 1.45). Higher depression or anxiety scores were associated with greater likelihood of decreased level of PA during lockdown.We found substantial reductions in PA levels during COVID-19 lockdown across countries. Country-specific PA promotion interventions are needed during this and similar global emergencies.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Brazil; Bulgaria; China; Communicable Disease Control; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; India; Ireland; Malaysia; Singapore; Spain; Turkey; Exercise; Macedonia (Republic); Young Adult
Fulltext Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Weight Status of University Students during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-National Comparative Study

Tan ST, Tan CX, Tan SS

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 03;18(13).
PMID: 34281062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137125

The temporary closure of learning institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reduced the physical activity of students across all ages. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and the patterns of physical activity among university students in confinement. This cross-sectional study involved 147 Malaysian students and 107 Indonesian students. Body weight before the pandemic and during the pandemic was self-reported by the respondents, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was used to assess the physical activity and sedentary behavior of the respondents. The findings revealed that 79.6% of Malaysians and 77.6% of Indonesians were physically active during the confinement. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in the duration devoted to vigorous-intensity activity (MMalaysian = 0.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 480.00 MET minutes/week) and moderate-intensity activity (MMalaysian = 0.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 0.00 MET minutes/week) among the studied population. During the pandemic, Malaysian students (M = 1386.00 MET minutes/week) devoted a significantly higher duration to walking (M = 1386.00 MET minutes/week) and sedentary behavior (9.16 ± 4.47 h/day) than Indonesian students (M = 990.00 MET minutes/week and sedentary behavior = 7.85 ± 4.27 h/day). Overall, no significant difference was noted in the total physical activity of Malaysian and Indonesian students during the pandemic (MMalaysian = 2826.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 1782.00 MET minutes/week). Findings from Spearman's rank correlation test suggested that there was a weak inverse correlation between the duration engaged in vigorous-intensity activity and weight change among the Malaysian students (rs = -0.199, p = 0.016), after adjusting for gender and age. Overall, the closure of learning institutions and exercise facilities has further prevented individuals from complying with the WHO recommendation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the period of home confinement.

MeSH terms: Communicable Disease Control; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Indonesia; Students; Universities; Exercise; Sedentary Lifestyle*; Pandemics
Fulltext Factors Affecting the Manufacturing Industry Transformation and Upgrading: A Case Study of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

Yang F, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Wang T

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 04;18(13).
PMID: 34281094 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137157

This study aims to analyze the development trend of the manufacturing industry transformation and upgrading in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (2008-2018). On the basis of synergetics, the order parameter method of factor analysis is used to study these factors. The results show that: (1) There are five slow variable factors, such as intelligent manufacturing industry, technological innovation, scale agglomeration, market demand, and fixed asset investment, which are important power sources of the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry in Greater Bay Area. The development of these factors is relatively mature, and they cooperate with each other. (2) Similar to a fast variable of manufacturing development ecology, green development is an important coordinating factor in removing bottlenecks. Finally, suggestions for the development of the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry are put forward.

MeSH terms: China; Commerce*; Hong Kong; Investments; Macau; Manufacturing Industry*
Fulltext Investigating the Antioxidant and Cytocompatibility of Mimusops elengi Linn Extract over Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells

Bhavikatti SK, Karobari MI, Zainuddin SLA, Marya A, Nadaf SJ, Sawant VJ, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 04;18(13).
PMID: 34281099 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137162

Background-chlorhexidine (CHX) is most commonly used as a chemical plaque control agent. Nevertheless, its adverse effects, including teeth discoloration, taste alteration and calculus build-up, limit its use and divert us to medicinal herbs. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and cytotoxic effects of Mimusops elengi Linn extract (ME) over normal human cultured adult gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methods-in vitro phytochemical screening, total flavonoid content, antioxidant potential by DPPH and Nitric Oxide (NO) radical scavenging activity, and cytotoxic effects of ME extracts over HGF were explored. The viability of HGF cells was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), neutral red uptake, and trypan blue assay after treatment with different concentrations of CHX and ME (0.3125 to 10 µg/mL). Results-ME showed some alkaloids, glycosides, saponins and flavonoids exhibited relatively moderate-to-good antioxidant potential. Increasing the concentration of CHX and ME from 0.3125 to 10 µg/mL reduced cell viability from 29.71% to 1.07% and 96.12% to 56.02%, respectively. At higher concentrations, CHX reduced the viability of cells by 52.36-fold compared to ME, revealed by MTT assay. At 10 µg/mL concentration, the mean cell viability of CHX and ME-treated cells was 2.24% and 57.45%, respectively, revealed by a neutral red assay. The viability of CHX- and ME-treated HGF cells estimated at higher concentrations (10 µg/mL) using trypan blue assay was found to be 2.18% and 47.36%, respectively. A paired t-test showed significance (p < 0.05), and one-way ANOVA difference between the mean cell viability of CHX- and ME-treated cells at different concentrations. One-way ANOVA confirmed the significant difference between the viability of CHX- and ME-treated cells. Conclusions-The cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of ME emphasize its potential benefits. Therefore, it could emerge as a herbal alternative and adjunct to conventional oral hygiene methods, that can diminish periodontal tissue destruction.

MeSH terms: Adult; Chlorhexidine; Fibroblasts; Humans; Plant Extracts/toxicity; Mimusops*
Fulltext The Challenges of Partnering to Promote Health through Sport

Donaldson A, Staley K, Cameron M, Dowling S, Randle E, O'Halloran P, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 05;18(13).
PMID: 34281130 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137193

Interagency partnerships and collaborations underpin a settings-based approach to health promotion in all settings, including sport. This study used an online concept mapping approach to explore the challenges that Regional Sports Assemblies (RSAs) in Victoria, Australia experienced when working in partnerships to develop and deliver physical activity programs in a community sport context. Participants from nine RSAs brainstormed 46 unique partnership-related challenges that they then sorted into groups based on similarity of meaning and rated for importance and capacity to manage (6-point scale; 0 = least, 5 = most). A six cluster map (number of statements in cluster, mean cluster importance and capacity ratings)-Co-design for regional areas (4, 4.22, 2.51); Financial resources (3, 4.00, 2.32); Localised delivery challenges (4, 3.72, 2.33); Challenges implementing existing State Sporting Association (SSA) products (9, 3.58, 2.23); Working with clubs (8, 3.43, 2.99); and Partnership engagement (18, 3.23, 2.95)-was considered the most appropriate interpretation of the sorted data. The most important challenge was Lack of volunteer time (4.56). Partnerships to implement health promotion initiatives in sports settings involve multiple challenges, particularly for regional sport organisations working in partnership with community sport clubs with limited human and financial resources, to implement programs developed by national or state-based organisations.

MeSH terms: Health Promotion*; Humans; Sports*; Victoria; Exercise
Fulltext Bullying and Its Associated Individual, Peer, Family and School Factors: Evidence from Malaysian National Secondary School Students

Sabramani V, Idris IB, Ismail H, Nadarajaw T, Zakaria E, Kamaluddin MR

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Jul 05;18(13).
PMID: 34281145 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137208

Adolescents involved in bullying can be at risk of developing behavioural problems, physical health problems and suicidal ideation. In view of this, a quantitative research design using a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bullying and associated individual, peer, family and school factors. The study involved 4469 Malaysian public-school students who made up the response rate of 89.4%. The students were selected using a randomized multilevel sampling method. The study found that 79.1% of student respondents were involved in bullying as perpetrators (14.4%), victims (16.3%), or bully-victims (48.4%). In a multivariate analysis, the individual domain showed a significant association between students' bullying involvement and age (OR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.12-1.70), gender (OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.47-0.91), ethnicity (OR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.47-0.91), duration of time spent on social media during the weekends (OR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.09-1.87) and psychological distress level (OR = 2.55; 95% CI 1.94-3.34). In the peer domain, the significantly associated factors were the number of peers (OR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.56-0.86) and frequency of quarrels or fights with peers (OR = 2.12; 95% CI 1.24-3.26). Among the items in the school domain, the significantly associated factors were students being mischievous in classrooms (OR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.06-2.06), student's affection towards their teachers (OR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.06-2.20), frequency of appraisal from teachers (OR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.16-1.94), frequency of friends being helpful in classrooms (OR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.09-3.38) and frequency of deliberately skipping class (OR = 2.91; 95% CI 2.90-1.72). As a conclusion, the study revealed high levels and widespread bullying involvement among students in Malaysia. As such, timely bullying preventions and interventions are essential, especially in terms of enhancing their mental health capacity, which substantially influences the reduction in the prevalence rates of bullying involvement among students in Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Schools; Students; Crime Victims*; Bullying*
Fulltext Fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 Stress and Association with Sociodemographic and Psychological Process Factors in Cases under Surveillance in a Frontline Worker Population in Borneo

Pang NTP, Nold Imon G, Johoniki E, Mohd Kassim MA, Omar A, Syed Abdul Rahim SS, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Jul 05;18(13).
PMID: 34281147 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137210

COVID-19 stress and fear of COVID-19 is an increasingly researched construct in the general population. However, its prevalence and association with sociodemographic factors and psychological process variables has not been explored in frontline workers under surveillance in a Bornean population. This study was a cross-sectional study using a sociodemographic questionnaire incorporating two specific epidemiological risk variables, namely specific questions about COVID-19 surveillance status (persons under investigation (PUI), persons under surveillance (PUS), and positive cases) and the nature of frontline worker status. Furthermore, five other instruments were used, with three measuring psychopathology (namely depression, anxiety and stress, fear of COVID-19, and stress due to COVID-19) and two psychological process variables (namely psychological flexibility and mindfulness). Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to assess if there were significant differences in psychopathology and psychological process variables between sociodemographic and epidemiological risk variables. Hierarchical multiple regression was further performed, with depression, anxiety, and stress as dependent variables. There were significant differences in the fear of COVID-19 between positive cases, PUI, and PUS. The fear of COVID-19 scores were higher in positive cases compared to in PUS and PUI groups. Upon hierarchical multiple regression, mindfulness and psychological flexibility were significant predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress after controlling for sociodemographic and epidemiological risk factors. This study demonstrates that exposure to COVID-19 as persons under investigation or surveillance significantly increases the fear of COVID-19, and brief psychological interventions that can positively influence mindfulness and psychological flexibility should be prioritized for these at-risk groups to prevent undue psychological morbidity in the long run.

MeSH terms: Anxiety/epidemiology; Borneo; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression/epidemiology; Fear; Humans; Stress, Psychological/epidemiology
Fulltext Impact of coronavirus 2019 on mental health and lifestyle adaptations of pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study

Hashim M, Coussa A, Al Dhaheri AS, Al Marzouqi A, Cheaib S, Salame A, et al.

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2021 Jul 19;21(1):515.
PMID: 34281501 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03941-z

BACKGROUND: In light of the pandemic, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to increased psychological distress and in need of imperative preventive measures. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on mental health, lifestyle adaptations, and their determinants among pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates.
METHODS: A survey was conducted electronically between June and August 2020. Pregnant women were recruited from prenatal clinics in the UAE and invited to participate in an online survey developed on Google Forms. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, the Impact of Event Scale- Revised, the Perceived Support Scale and lifestyle-related factors.
RESULTS: A total of 384 pregnant women completed the questionnaire of whom 20.6% were in their 1st trimester, 46.1% in their 2nd and 33.3% in their 3rd trimester. The mean IES-R score for the respondents was 26.15 ± 13.55, corresponding to a mild stressful impact, which did not differ significantly among trimesters of pregnancy. Pregnant women expressed increased stress from staying home (64%), work (40%), feeling frightened (66%) and apprehensive (59%). Women reported increased support and sharing their feelings with family members (59%), mainly in the 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy (P
Fulltext Protecting women and girls from tobacco and alcohol promotion

Feeny E, Dain K, Varghese C, Atiim GA, Rekve D, Gouda HN

BMJ, 2021 Jul 19;374:n1516.
PMID: 34281828 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n1516

Gender transformative measures could curb the industries’ expansion into low and middle income countries, contain the burden of chronic disease, and promote gender equity, argue Emma Feeny and colleagues

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Advertising as Topic*; Alcohol Drinking/adverse effects; Alcohol Drinking/prevention & control*; Female; Humans; Sex Factors; Smoking/adverse effects; Health Behavior
Fulltext Levels and health risk assessment of heavy metals in dried fish consumed in Bangladesh

Rakib MRJ, Jolly YN, Enyoh CE, Khandaker MU, Hossain MB, Akther S, et al.

Sci Rep, 2021 07 19;11(1):14642.
PMID: 34282166 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93989-w

As a cheap source of high-quality protein, healthy fats and essential nutrients, dried fish is a common item in the daily diet of the Bangladesh populace. In this study, ten types of widely consumed dried fish (H. neherius, T. lepturu, P.chinensis, P. affinis, A. mola, P. microdon, I. megaloptera, C. dussumieri, L. calcarifer, and G. chapra) were analyzed for Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Hg, Pb, Ni and As by using an Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. The concentration of the studied metals was found in the order Fe > Zn > Hg > Cu > Se > Cr > Mn > Co > Rb > Pb, while As and Ni were below the limit of detection. All fish species showed moderate to high pollution, where the species H. Neherius and P. Chinensis are the most and least polluted ones, respectively. The probable source of contamination is the leaching from the drying pans into the fish samples, atmospheric deposition, anthropogenic contamination, etc. of the water body where these fish were harvested. The calculated hazard index for the general population was below the maximum limiting value (i.e.,
Fulltext Entropy production and mixed convection within trapezoidal cavity having nanofluids and localised solid cylinder

Ishak MS, Alsabery AI, Hashim I, Chamkha AJ

Sci Rep, 2021 Jul 19;11(1):14700.
PMID: 34282226 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94238-w

The entropy production and mixed convection within a trapezoidal nanofluid-filled cavity having a localised solid cylinder is numerically examined using the finite element technique. The top horizontal surface moving at a uniform velocity is kept at a cold temperature, while the bottom horizontal surface is thermally activated. The remaining surfaces are maintained adiabatic. Water-based nanofluids ([Formula: see text] nanoparticles) are used in this study, and the Boussinesq approximation applies. The influence of the Reynolds number, Richardson number, nanoparticles volume fraction, dimensionless radius and location of the solid cylinder on the streamlines, isotherms and isentropic are examined. The results show that the solid cylinder's size and location are significant control parameters for optimising the heat transfer and the Bejan number inside the trapezoidal cavity. Furthermore, the maximum average Nusselt numbers are obtained for high R values, where the average Nusselt number is increased by 30% when R is raised from 0 to 0.25.
Fulltext Silica and graphene mediate arsenic detection in mature rice grain by a newly patterned current-volt aptasensor

Uda MNA, Gopinath SCB, Hashim U, Halim NH, Parmin NA, Uda MNA, et al.

Sci Rep, 2021 Jul 19;11(1):14688.
PMID: 34282233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94145-0

Arsenic is a major global threat to the ecosystem. Here we describe a highly accurate sensing platform using silica nanoparticles/graphene at the surface of aluminum interdigitated electrodes (Al IDE), able to detect trace amounts of arsenic(III) in rice grain samples. The morphology and electrical properties of fabricated Al IDEs were characterized and standardized using AFM, and SEM with EDX analyses. Micrometer scale Al IDEs were fabricated with silicon, aluminum, and oxygen as primary elements. Validation of the bare Al IDE with electrolyte fouling was performed at different pH levels. The sensing surface was stable with no electrolyte fouling at pH 7. Each chemical modification step was monitored with current-volt measurement. The surface chemical bonds were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and revealed different peaks when interacting with arsenic (1600-1000 cm-1). Both silica nanoparticles and graphene presented a sensitive limit of detection as measured by slope calibration curves at 0.0000001 pg/ml, respectively. Further, linear regression was established using ΔI (A) = 3.86 E-09 log (Arsenic concentration) [g/ml] + 8.67 E-08 [A] for silica nanoparticles, whereas for graphene Y = 3.73 E-09 (Arsenic concentration) [g/ml] + 8.52 E-08 on the linear range of 0.0000001 pg/ml to 0.01 pg/ml. The R2 for silica (0.96) and that of graphene (0.94) was close to the maximum (1). Modification with silica nanoparticles was highly stable. The potential use of silica nanoparticles in the detection of arsenic in rice grain extract can be attributed to their size and stability.
Enhanced dye-removal performance of Cu-TiO2-fly ash composite by optimized adsorption and photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

Kanakaraju D, Jasni MAA, Pace A, Ya MH

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Dec;28(48):68834-68845.
PMID: 34282548 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15440-x

The performance of Cu/TiO2/FA composite, a hybrid adsorbent-photocatalyst consisting of copper-doped titania particles supported on fly ash, was optimized, under visible light irradiation, for the removal of the model dye pollutant methyl orange (MO) by using a response surface methodology and Box-Behnken experimental design. Three independent variables were considered for the optimization study: catalyst/solvent dosage (0.5 - 2.0 g/L), irradiation time (30-120 min), and the initial concentration (5- 25 ppm) of the dye. A 99.91% rate of removal was achieved using 2 g/L dosage, 5 ppm initial concentration, and 100 min of irradiation time as the optimal operating conditions. The recorded trends support the hypothesis of a combined and synergic adsorption-photocatalytic degradation process which fully exploits the "capture and destroy" approach for pollutant removal.

MeSH terms: Adsorption; Catalysis; Light; Titanium*; Coal Ash*
Diagnostic Enigma of Adenoid Ameloblastoma: Literature Review Based Evidence to Consider It as a New Sub Type of Ameloblastoma

Jayasooriya PR, Abeyasinghe WAMUL, Liyanage RLPR, Uthpali GN, Tilakaratne WM

Head Neck Pathol, 2021 Jul 19.
PMID: 34282559 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-021-01358-w

Adenoid ameloblastoma is a hybrid odontogenic tumour showing histopathological features of both ameloblastoma and adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (AOT), with approximately 40 cases reported in the literature. The aims of the report are to illustrate the diagnostic challenges of adenoid ameloblastoma using three new cases and to analyze evidence in literature to consider adenoid ameloblastoma as a new sub type of ameloblastoma. A literature review was performed with the key words-adenoid ameloblastoma, hybrid/composite odontogenic tumours, hybrid ameloblastoma and adenomatoid odontogenic tumour, ameloblastoma with inductive changes, dentinoid and dentinoma to select the cases compatible with the diagnosis of adenoid ameloblastoma. Out of the 40 cases reported in literature, 31 cases with sufficient information and 3 new cases were analyzed. Out of the 34 adenoid ameloblastomas majority of tumours (76.5%) occurred in adults with age ranging from 25 to 55 years. Slight female predilection with a male:female ratio of 0.9:1 was observed. Approximately, 64.7% occurred in the mandible. Radiologically, 82.4% of adenoid ameloblastomas presented as radiolucent lesions while 47.1% occurred with ill-defined margins and cortical perforation at diagnosis. Histopathologically, 70.8% of tumours presented as plexiform ameloblastomas, while duct like structures/glandular structures were the commonest feature supportive of adenomatoid odontogenic tumour observed in overwhelming majority of 95.9% of adenoid ameloblastomas. 91.6% of tumours showed inductive change in the form of dentinoid. Further, 45.4% of the tumours developed at least one recurrence following surgical excision. The report presents literature review based evidence to show the existence of adenoid ameloblastoma, which is demographically similar to conventional ameloblastoma but with histopathological differences and presenting with higher rate/multiple recurrences, indicating its biological aggressiveness. Thus, we would like to propose the inclusion of adenoid ameloblastoma as a sub type of ameloblastoma in the next revision of the WHO odontogenic tumour classification.

External Links